Hotel Edison — art deco in the heart of Times Square
If you want to stay right in Times Square, walking distance to every Broadway theater, without a shocking price — Hotel Edison is the classic answer. Open since 1931, its beautiful, historic art deco lobby and clean (if not luxurious) rooms make it clearly better value than newer hotels in the same area.
Location is the main draw — Hotel Edison is on 47th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue, right in the Theater District, within 5 minutes of every Broadway theater. Times Square is on the corner, the 50 St station (line 1) is a 2-minute walk, and Times Sq–42 St (nearly every line) is 6 minutes. If this trip is about Broadway shows and Midtown, nothing beats this location at this price.
"The art deco lobby is gorgeous, hand-painted ceilings — you walk in and feel 1930s New York, and it's still affordable."
The lobby is the highlight everyone mentions — original 1931 art deco with hand-painted ceilings, brass lamps and murals, that golden-age New York feel. Rooms have been renovated, clean and simply decorated, sized to Midtown standards (not big, but fine). Comfortable beds, cold AC, free Wi-Fi — everything you need to crash after a full day.
Another plus: it's a large hotel (810 rooms) with full facilities — the legendary Edison Cafe (seen in films), a bar, fitness room and a 24-hour staffed front desk. It suits travellers who want the convenience of a big central hotel rather than a small boutique.
Honestly, the note is its age and size — it's an old hotel, some rooms are small with odd layouts, and some face a wall (request a high floor at booking). Elevators are slow at check-in/out because of the room count, and Times Square is busy around the clock. Light sleepers should request a high, interior-facing room.
On value, rates from around $215/night are great for a Times Square location in a city where newer hotels in the same area often start at $300+. If you value location and price over newness, the Edison is the most sensible pick — good for families, theatergoers and first-time visitors.
Bottom line: Hotel Edison suits people who prioritise location and price over newness and space. If you're here for Broadway and Midtown and want to save money for sightseeing, go for it — great location value. If you want a new, spacious, quiet room, look elsewhere.
Summary from Booking & Agoda
- ✓ Heart of Times Square + Broadway
- ✓ Great value for this location
- ✓ Beautiful historic art deco lobby
- ✓ Large hotel with full facilities
- ! Old rooms, some small with wall views
- ! Slow elevators when busy
- ✓ Walk to every Broadway theater
- ✓ Legendary Edison Cafe in-building
- ✓ 24-hour staffed front desk
- ✓ Great for families and first-timers
- ! Times Square is busy around the clock
- ! Rooms aren't modern, simply decorated
- 💡If you want a new, spacious room — old building, uneven rooms · Fix → request a renovated, high-floor room at booking
- 💡If you're a light sleeper — Times Square is always busy · Fix → request a high, interior-facing room
- 💡If the view worries you — some rooms face a wall · Honestly, request a street-view or high-floor room at booking
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